There are four teams left in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup. The USA will face Guatemala on one side of the bracket, and the winner of this contest will take on the winner between Mexico and Honduras.
The USA, Guatemala, and Honduras made it to the Final 4 by outlasting their opponents in penalty shootouts during the quarterfinals. In stark contrast, Mexico are coming off a wire-to-wire 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia.
The CONCACAF Gold Cup 2025 odds expect the USA and Mexico to advance past the semifinals to meet in the final for the third time in the last four editions of this tournament, with both teams alternating wins in their previous two encounters. However, it’s worth noting that Mexico are the defending champions.
Let’s learn more about the semifinal games via today’s SBOTOP preview.
USA vs Guatemala
The USA reminded everyone why they’re the favorites to win the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup by dominating the group stage with a 3-0 record and a whopping 8-1 aggregate tally. Mauricio Pochettino’s men demolished Trinidad and Tobago (5-0) and won 1-0 against Saudi Arabia and 2-1 against Haiti.
After breezing past Group D, the USA faced a stern test against Costa Rica in the quarterfinals, conceding an early penalty from Francisco Calvo and conceding an equalizer from Alonso Martinez when they were up 2-1, courtesy of a four-minute, two-goal run by Diego Luna and Maximilian Arfsten. Goalkeeper Max Freese was the hero for the Stars and Stripes, as he saved three Costa Rican attempts during penalties, and Damion Downs scored the matchwinner.
Mauricio Pochettino is expected to deploy the same starting XI he had against Costa Rica, with Johnny Cardoso being the only notable injury doubt, even if he is barely involved in the tournament so far.
Guatemala qualified for the knockout stage by claiming the second spot in Group C by virtue of a nervy 3-2 win over minnows Guadeloupe in the final matchday. It was only Guatemala’s fourth quarterfinals appearance this century. They had exited at that stage each time, but they finally broke through last weekend by toppling Canada.
Jonathan David gave Canada a 1-0 lead, but they were reduced to 10 men after Jacob Shaffelburg was sent off before halftime. La Azul y Blanco used the numerical advantage, as Rubio Ruben scored the equalizer in the 69th minute.
The USA have Aaron Herrera and Rubio Rubin on top of their scouting report because they’re Guatemala’s most impactful players. Meanwhile, Kenderson Navarro should continue to deputize for the injured Nicholas Hagen between the sticks.
Mexico vs Honduras
Mexico finished at the top of Group A with two wins and one draw. Javier Aguirre’s side won 3-2 against the Dominican Republic and 2-0 against Suriname, and were held to a goalless draw against Costa Rica in the final group stage matchday.
El Tri’s 2-0 quarterfinals win over Saudi Arabia was a dominant one, as the defending champions had 69 percent possession and notched 14 total shots. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia only had one shot all game, failing to unlock Mexico’s compact backline.
Alexis Vega scored the opening goal for Mexico four minutes after the halftime break, and substitute Mateo Chavez had his cross tipped into the back of Saudi Arabia’s net by Abdullah Madu during the 81st minute. Mexico have progressed to the CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinals in 10 consecutive editions and are closing in on a fourth straight final.
After serving his suspension against Saudi Arabia, center-back Cesar Montes can return on Wednesday, where he’ll aim to add to his three-goal tally thus far. His impending return should push Edson Alvarez back in midfield. Fulham striker Raul Jimenez will continue to spearhead El Tri’s attack alongside Alexis Vega and Roberto Alvarado.
Honduras finished second behind Canada in Group B with two wins and one loss. Like the USA and Guatemala, they defeated their quarterfinal opponents, Panama, in a tense penalty shootout.
Carlos Pineda’s attempt eight minutes before stoppage time deflected off teammate Anthony Lozano for Hondura’s equalizer after trailing by one goal for the most part, with no thanks to Ismael Diaz. Pineda also scored the matchwinner in the final shootout.
Honduras manager Reinaldo Rueda has preferred Jorge Benguche as his central striker, but Lozano will be keen to regain his place against Mexico. Celtic winger Luis Palma can also create CONCACAF Gold Cup 2025 highlights for the team.
Los Catrachos have exited at the group stage or in the quarterfinals in the last five CONCACAF Gold Cups. Rueda’s side has already exceeded expectations and will play with house money against the defending champions.
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